Audio-Technica M70x & Audio-Technica M50x share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Audio-Technica M70x rather than the Audio-Technica M50x. 

Why Do I Recommend The Audio-Technica M70x

  • The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x features a wider 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz frequency response for capturing extreme low and high frequencies with greater accuracy, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a narrower 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz range.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M70x has a neutral, reference-grade tuning for precise sound reproduction in professional mastering, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x uses a warmer, bass-boosted tuning.
  • It includes more metal reinforcement in its headband and earcups for improved durability in long-term studio use, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x incorporates more plastic components.
  • The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x comes with a rigid protective carrying case for better transport protection, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x comes with a soft pouch.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M70x uses thinner ear pads and higher clamping force for a more secure fit during active monitoring, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has thicker pads with lower clamp pressure.
  • It features tighter and more accurate bass response for critical low-frequency evaluation, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers more boosted and less controlled bass.
  • The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x includes a proprietary locking straight connector for a secure studio connection, whereas the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x uses a proprietary locking angled connector.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M70x is slightly lighter at 280 g for reduced head fatigue during long sessions, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x weighs 285 g.

Maybe the Audio-Technica M50x price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Audio-Technica M70x. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureAudio-Technica M70xAudio-Technica M50x
Driver Design45 mm large-aperture dynamic drivers with flat-tuned diaphragm45 mm large-aperture dynamic drivers with V-shaped tuning
Frequency Response5 Hz – 40,000 Hz15 Hz – 28,000 Hz
Sound SignatureNeutral, analytical, reference-gradeWarm, punchy, consumer-oriented
Bass ResponseTight, accurate low-endBoosted low-end
Treble ResponseExtended and detailedSmooth and slightly rolled-off
MidrangeForward and preciseSlightly recessed
Ear Pad ThicknessThinner padsThicker pads
Clamping ForceHigher clamp pressureLower clamp pressure
Earcup ProfileFlatter profileBulkier profile
Earcup Swivel RangeLimited swivel, fold-flat only90° swivel, foldable
Headband PaddingSlimmer paddingThicker padding
Build MaterialMore metal reinforcementMore plastic construction
Weight280 g285 g
Carrying CaseRigid protective caseSoft pouch
Intended UseMastering, critical listeningGeneral studio work, casual listening
PortabilityFold-flat storageFoldable and swivel storage
PriceCheck Technica M70x PriceCheck Technica M50x Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Driver Size: Both models use 45 mm drivers, ensuring they can reproduce a wide frequency range with strong dynamics suitable for studio-grade listening.
  • Driver Type: Both use dynamic drivers, which are known for their durability, efficiency, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.
  • Enclosure Design: Both are closed-back over-ear headphones, providing effective sound isolation by minimizing audio leakage and blocking external noise during recording or mixing.
  • Impedance Range: Both have a mid-level impedance that works well with both portable devices and professional studio equipment without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier.
  • Cable System: Both feature a detachable cable system with a locking connector, reducing the chance of accidental cable disconnection during sessions.
  • Included Cables: Both include three cables—a coiled cable for flexible movement, a short straight cable for portable use, and a long straight cable for studio setups.
  • Connector: Both use a gold-plated 3.5 mm plug for optimal conductivity and reduced signal loss, along with a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter for compatibility with studio gear.
  • Folding Design: Both models have a folding mechanism for compact storage, making them easier to transport between locations.
  • Headband Adjustability: Both come with an adjustable headband featuring click stops, allowing users to customize the fit for comfort and stability.
  • Brand Build Quality: Both follow Audio-Technica’s professional manufacturing standards, ensuring reliability and long-term durability.
  • Primary Usage: Both are suitable for professional applications like mixing, monitoring, and recording, making them popular with musicians, producers, and sound engineers.

Common Features

FeatureAudio-Technica M70xAudio-Technica M50x
Driver Size45 mm45 mm
Driver TypeDynamicDynamic
Enclosure DesignClosed-back, over-earClosed-back, over-ear
Impedance RangeMid-level impedance for portable & studio useMid-level impedance for portable & studio use
Cable SystemDetachable locking cablesDetachable locking cables
Included Cables33
ConnectorGold-plated 3.5 mm with screw-on 6.3 mm adapterGold-plated 3.5 mm with screw-on 6.3 mm adapter
Folding DesignFoldable earcups for storageFoldable earcups for storage
Headband AdjustabilityAdjustable with click stopsAdjustable with click stops
Brand Build QualityProfessional Audio-Technica standardsProfessional Audio-Technica standards
Primary UsageStudio monitoring and professional audio workStudio monitoring and professional audio work
Price Check Technica M70x Price Check Technika M50x Price

FAQ

Which headphones are better for critical studio monitoring, the ATH-M70x or ATH-M50x?
The ATH-M70x is better suited for critical studio monitoring due to its neutral and analytical sound signature, while the ATH-M50x has a warmer tuning more suited for general listening and casual studio use.

Do both the ATH-M70x and ATH-M50x use the same driver size?
Yes, both models use large 45 mm dynamic drivers, but they are tuned differently to achieve their respective sound signatures.

Which model has a wider frequency response?
The ATH-M70x has a wider frequency response of 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz compared to the ATH-M50x’s 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz, making it more capable of reproducing extreme highs and lows.

Which headphones have better bass performance?
The ATH-M50x has a more pronounced and punchy bass, while the ATH-M70x has tighter and more accurate bass aimed at professional reference use.

Are both models suitable for portable use?
Yes, both can be used with portable devices due to their mid-level impedance, but the ATH-M50x’s more forgiving sound signature makes it more enjoyable for casual mobile listening.

Which model is more comfortable for long listening sessions?
The ATH-M50x is generally more comfortable for extended wear due to its thicker ear pads and lower clamping force, whereas the ATH-M70x has a firmer fit for stability during studio work.

Do both models have detachable cables?
Yes, both come with detachable locking cables, including a coiled cable, a short straight cable, and a long straight cable.

Which headphones are more durable?
The ATH-M70x is more durable due to its additional metal reinforcement and premium materials, while the ATH-M50x has more plastic in its construction.

Which model is more portable in terms of folding design?
The ATH-M50x is more portable as it folds inward and has earcups that swivel 90°, while the ATH-M70x folds flat with more limited swivel movement.

Do both models include a carrying case?
The ATH-M70x includes a rigid protective case, while the ATH-M50x comes with a soft pouch.

Which model is more expensive?
The ATH-M70x is significantly more expensive, usually around $300, while the ATH-M50x is more affordable, typically around $170.

Which headphones have better treble detail?
The ATH-M70x has more extended and detailed treble, making it better for identifying subtle elements in recordings, while the ATH-M50x has smoother, slightly rolled-off highs.

Are both headphones good for mixing music?
Yes, both can be used for mixing, but the ATH-M70x is better for precise mix adjustments, while the ATH-M50x is good for general-purpose mixing and playback.

Which model is lighter?
The ATH-M70x is slightly lighter at 280 g compared to the ATH-M50x at 285 g, though the difference is negligible in use.

Do both headphones have the same brand reliability?
Yes, both are made by Audio-Technica and share the same high manufacturing quality and reliability expected from the brand.

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